Bright
brushes possess the unique intangible features and performance aspects
which fine artists demand and expect. These brushes have flat ferrule,
short-length hairs and are usually set in a long handle. The width and
length of brush head is about equal, which makes it useful for short,
controlled strokes, with thick or heavy color. A bright can also be a
type of brush that is short and flat with a long handle. It is typically
used with oil, acrylic and alkyd paints and the fiber frequently used to
manufacture bright brushes are sable, mongoose, bristle, badger and
synthetic.
Brushes called brights may have a square-cut tip, but a shorter bristle
length than a flat. Bright brush work well with any pigment and the
relatively short bristle of brights allows the painter to readily apply
and maneuver pigment over a surface. The unique wave tip of these
brushes makes painting the irregular details and shading easy to create
a realistic look. The bristle capacity of the ferrule determines its
brush size. The ferrule is the most vulnerable point of the brush as
residual pigments and solvents tend to collect at the ferrule and
accelerate deterioration. Thus they are made from metal, plastics,
natural quill or copper wire, to provide safe, long lasting beauty.
Brushes
used for acrylics have long handles that allow the artist to work at a
distance from the canvas. Acrylic paints are more caustic than oils, so
acrylic brushes are designed with synthetics and bristle. Acrylic
brushes are usable in other mediums, particularly oils, while brushes
designed specifically for oil painting and watercolors are unsuitable
for acrylics. Artists can very effectively use glazing and layering
techniques when using acrylic brushes.
Both natural and synthetic bristles can be used with acrylics,
depending on the artist's preference. But, acrylics, being alkaline in
nature, can be hard on natural hair brushes. Those made with high
quality synthetics have excellent durability and offers excellent
stiffness, snap and hair shape retention for maximum control. The
brushes must be kept clean. If acrylic paint dries in a brush it is very
hard to get out without using strong solvents that might damage the
brush. Brushes are cleaned promptly by washing them with warm water and
mild soap when finished painting.
